MLB Draft Profile: Dansby Swanson
By Guillermo Salcido
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Over the next couple of weeks leading up to MLB Draft, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the most highly touted prospects. Why is that? Well, although Arizona’s overall last place finish can be a source of shame, it also handed them the 1st selection overall in the MLB Draft. There’s no Strasburg, Harper, or Price in this year’s draft, unfortunately. However, that’s more reason to get better acquainted with the top prospects.
Our inaugural profile will focus on the collegiate shortstop, Dansby Swanson, from Vanderbilt University. Swanson is a 6 feet tall, 190 pound, 21-year old. Swanson was on the Vanderbilt Commodores squad that took home the university’s 1st National Championship at the 2014 College World Series. In his most recent MLB Mock Draft, Jim Callis of MLB.com tabbed Swanson as the Dbacks 1st selection overall.
Dansby has actually been selected in the MLB Draft before. The Colorado Rockies selected him out of high school in the 38th Round (1158th overall) of the 2012 edition. The Marietta, Georgia resident decided to go to school at Vanderbilt instead. After having an insignificant Freshman season, Swanson started to break out during his Sophomore season.
Jun 24, 2014; Omaha, NE, USA; (Editor
During the National Championship season, Swanson hit .333 with 3 homers and 34 RBI. He slugged a .475 percentage. Swanson also stole 22 bases. He ranked 9th among the nation in hits (94). Swanson led the entire country with 27 doubles. After the Vanderbilt Commodores took home the College World Series, Swanson was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Swanson has picked up right where he left off and it has really ascended his draft stock. So far in 2015, Swanson is hitting .350 with 11 home runs and 53 RBI. Immediately, one can see an improvement. Those nation-leading doubles are starting to translate into long balls. His slugging percentage has risen to .641 and already has the same amount of total bases as last season. These numbers are with 15 less played games.
Vanderbilt is nationally ranked in the Top 10 and will most likely return to the College World Series tournament. That means we should all keep on eye on him.